Is Ukraine asking Europe to lift protection for men liable for military service? The EU has made an important statement

Brussels is considering revising the rules on residence in the EU for Ukrainians of conscription age following an official request from Kyiv. Men who entered the EU illegally may face the risk of losing their legal status, although the overall duration of the protective measures will be extended until 2028. Find out exactly who will be affected by these restrictions

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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The European Union is actively discussing the possibility of excluding Ukrainian men of conscription age from the scope of the Temporary Protection Directive. As Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, stated on 4 June, Ukraine itself has submitted a request to this effect to Brussels, reports DW. This concerns citizens aged between 23 and 60. Commenting on the discussions regarding the revocation of refugee status for this category of citizens, Brunner emphasised that Europe is considering this step precisely because the Ukrainian side has requested it.

Which Ukrainian men could lose their protection status in the EU

Despite the high-profile statements, any potential changes are unlikely to affect those who have already regularised their status in Europe. Corinna Ulrich, a spokesperson for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration, confirmed that discussions are underway but clarified an important detail: the new restrictions will not apply to the more than 1.15 million Ukrainian men who are already under temporary protection within the EU.

Earlier, European media reported that EU countries were considering denying extended protection primarily to those liable for military service who left Ukraine illegally. A detailed proposal from the European Commission is expected to be submitted for consideration in the coming weeks.

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Extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2028

In parallel with the discussion on the status of conscripts, Europe is preparing for a general extension of the refugee assistance programme. Cyprus’s Deputy Minister for Migration, Nikos Ioannides, stated that all EU member states have reached a consensus on extending the directive on temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2028.

However, many member states are in favour of modifying the scope of the protection provided under certain conditions. Final decisions on extending the status and possible adjustments to the rules for Ukrainian refugees could be officially adopted as early as July or September 2026.

The situation regarding protection status for Ukrainians abroad is becoming increasingly complex, and it can be difficult to navigate its nuances on your own. If you have questions regarding migration status, residence permits, or the legal implications of potential changes—Visit Ukraine’s lawyers specializing in migration, visa support, and the protection of Ukrainians’ rights abroad are ready to provide personalized consultation.

Reminder! Poland is in favour of revising the conditions of temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age in the EU, but opposes dividing Ukraine into ‘safe’ regions. Find out what changes EU interior ministers are discussing and how they might affect Ukrainian refugees.

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